MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) - Central Magnet School is now officially the top-ranked high school in the United States. According to the 2026-2027 rankings released by U.S. News and World Report, the Murfreesboro school moved up from its previous third-place spot to claim the number one ranking in the nation.

The school serves grades six through 12, with admission open to any student in Rutherford County based on academic performance. Central Magnet School has placed consistently among the best schools in the country since opening in 2010.

"We're very proud to be the home of the best high school in the nation, and the employees, parents, and students of Central Magnet School should be commended for their long history of unmatched performance," said Rutherford County Director of Schools Dr. Jimmy Sullivan. "This recognition also highlights the strength of public education in Rutherford County as a whole and the caliber of opportunities we provide for our students and families."

U.S. News evaluated data from more than 27,000 public high schools across the country. Ranking methodology uses six factors focused on student performance on state assessments and how effectively schools prepare students for college.

"Being named the No. 1 school by U.S. News is such an achievement for Central and Rutherford County Schools," said Dr. Clark Blair, who took over as principal at Central Magnet School in July. "We are honored to carry this torch for everyone who has ever walked the halls at Central. This recognition just confirms what our students and staff do each and every day. Central is such a unique place filled with students who love to learn in the classroom, compete in a variety of activities and sports, and build a future where they can make a difference in their community."

Founding Principal Dr. John Ash, who recently left the school to become the director of schools for Smith County, attended a celebratory pep rally at the school on Wednesday.

"The school is high achieving because of the work ethic of the teachers and the students," Dr. Ash said, highlighting accomplishments across academics, athletics, and fine arts. "Everything they try, they're good at, and we always expect the best at all times, which is why our school's motto is 'Always My Best.' The kids epitomize that motto, and from what I've seen, they continue it on through college."

The national release also detailed state-level performance. Eight Rutherford County high schools placed in the top 25 percent of the 440 high schools in Tennessee. State rankings for Rutherford County Schools include Central Magnet School at first, Blackman High School at 56th, Rockvale High School at 61st, Eagleville School at 73rd, Siegel High School at 82nd, Stewarts Creek at 86th, Oakland High School at 87th, and the Rutherford County Virtual School at 104th.